Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. From building new, affordable homes to exciting regeneration schemes, a career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel.
As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive. We have a team of enthusiastic employees delivering services they are passionate about.
The Role & Responsibilities:
We are currently seeking an Operations Manager to join our Venues team within the Council. The Maison Dieu (Dover’s Town Hall) is currently undergoing a £10.5 million restoration and renovation. Opening in spring 2025, this venue will be open for public, private, ticketed and community events all year round.
The role will be responsible for the smooth running of all the operational needs of the Maison Dieu including staffing, stock control and the organisation on the day of events, weddings, conferences and social occasions.
We are looking for an individual who can:
- Provide an exceptionally high level of service at the Maison Dieu, working closely with other officers within the team and across the wider Place & Growth Service including the other venue services.
- Develop good working relationships with external organisations that may book and/or support special one-off or regular events.
- Manage and direct the operational needs of the Maison Dieu.
- Acknowledge that it is a requirement of the post to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends and maybe working to a rota shift pattern.
We Are Looking For Someone To:
- Provide an exceptional level of service at the Maison Dieu, working closely with other team members.
- Work with the Venue Manager to develop the leadership of the team within the venue. To inspire them to deliver exceptional service to your clients and guests through excellent standards.
- Oversee the training, management and development of the team working closely with other council officers across various departments.
- Develop good working relationships with suppliers and producers.
- Develop good working relationships with external organisations that may support special events.
- Manage and direct all aspects of conferences and events including enquires, reservations, administration and on the day coordination.
- Maintain deadlines for the organisation and the client requirements.
- Manage the operation of the venue and back-office functions, including the management of the staff and ensuring efficient and effective delivery of this service at all times.
- Manage and assist the Venues Manager with the management of sites as required.
- Raise and complete all contracts, invoices and booking forms as required.
- Personally provide a very high standard of customer service and to maintain a charismatic, presentable and calm attitude at all times
- Ensure all revenue is recorded and received in a timely manner in accordance with the Council’s policies.
- Work with the Venue Manager and Sales and Events Coordinator to identify and attract new clients whilst maintaining the existing clientele and being the main point of contact for queries and complaints.
- Work with the set budgets in accordance with DDC’s Financial Regulations with the assistance of DDC's Accountancy team, to include the keeping of appropriate records.
- Ensure that all instruction relating to Health and Safety, compliance, equality, diversity and inclusion are followed.
- Ensure operational procedures and agreed standards of cleanliness and hygiene are implemented, including practices as stipulated by the Environmental Health team.
- Attend trade shows as required.
- Regularly review the progress of service against agreed outcomes/targets.
- Work unsociable hours as the role requires including weekends, evenings and late nights.
You Will Ideally Have:
- 2-3 years’ experience in a customer-focused Operations Manager role in a similar environment (essential).
- 1-2 years operational experience including waiting and bar service for private and public events including weddings (essential).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A customer focused approach.
- A good working knowledge of Health and Safety issues relating to events (essential).
- Good product knowledge and how to deliver to the highest quality standard.
- Events management (essential).
- Marketing skills on various platforms (desirable).
- Experience in EPOS and/or CRM reservations systems (desirable).
- Educated to GCSE level at Grade C or above, including Maths and English (essential).
- Management qualifications (desirable or willingness to work towards).
- Driving licence (desirable).
- Qualifications relating to the food and beverage industry (desirable).
- IT skills
- Car/access to a car.
What Can We Offer?
We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in. We also offer several employee benefits, such as:
- Benenden Healthcare Membership and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
- An Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension.
- A generous annual leave provision.
- A discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre.
- On-site parking.
- Cycle2Work scheme.
- Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme.
Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a Basic DBS check as part of their pre-employment clearances.
What Next?
If you would like a further discussion about the post, then please contact Aimee Langley, Venues Manager, at aimee.langley@dover.gov.uk or on 07729108600
Interviews to be held on Tuesday 29 October 2024.